Like most authors, I always appreciate receiving feedback from my readers. I am especially grateful whenever I hear a story about how my work has stirred positive transformation and been encouraging to someone, especially when that someone is trying to follow Jesus faithfully.
Below I have copied a very kind note I recently received from a minister who has read my newest book, I Pledge Allegiance: A Believer’s Guide to Kingdom Citizenship in 21st Century America (Eerdmans, 2018).
Thank you, pastor, for taking the time to be an encouragement to me:
“At the recommendation of [a] long-time friend and former parishioner… I just finished reading….for the second time…your book, “I Pledge Allegiance”. All I can say, David, is THANK YOU!!! You’ve helped me find some renewed sense of
balance in what it means to live in this country at this time as a follower of Jesus. Having just recently retired from parish ministry… I’m aware of how often I waffled, especially in my preaching. There are times when I experience guilt and wish I could begin again to deal in a better way with the influences of congregants. And then there are those times when I’m grateful that I made it through without getting kicked out. The events of this past week put me into an even deeper depression. However, your insights and reminders have helped me immensely. Again, thank you!! And, please, keep writing. David”
In response to this man’s last sentence, let me say that I am trying to continue my writing. But I am facing a few obstacles. I mention this because, if you are a praying person, I could use your prayers about my next (possible) writing project.
I want to write a book about both(1) the theological problems of Christian Zionism and (2) the human suffering entangled with American evangelicalism’s blind support for the nation of Israel. The book will be half Biblical theology and half real-life stories.
The theology sections will explain the serious errors of “Christian Zionism” (i.e. those who believe that modern Israel is the fulfillment of Old Testament prophecy in need of the church’s, and America’s, wholehearted support).
The real life stories will describe graphic instances of Palestinian suffering and abuse that I have witnessed first-hand during my visits to the West Bank area (captured by the Israeli army during the 1967 war and kept under military occupation ever since).
My proposal for this book has now passed over a number of publisher’s desks. One publisher said (I am paraphrasing), “Dave, we think this would be a good book, but your previous books haven’t been great sellers for us. We don’t think we’d make much money from this one, either.”
Four other well-known publishing houses have all said something similar, “David, we like and agree with your proposal. We think this would me a good book, but we can’t figure out how we would sell it. Sorry. Good luck.”
Needless to say, I am a bit frustrated and disappointed. So, I would very much appreciate your prayers as I try to figure out where next to send the proposal. I firmly believe this book needs to be written.
Otherwise, perhaps I am at the end of my writing career. I hope not, but who knows.
Will pray for you on the book writing, Dave!!
Thank you, Paula.